Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9: Nile Empire / Pulp
                               Chapter 2

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time

On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 15:44:19 -0700
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011922

The night before...

"With your permission, I will go ahead." Patrick says, stepping off of
the blimp (OOC: Which I really hope has landed). "I will check the
town and see what I can learn. If needed, I can be reached
telepathically."

So saying, he steps off, and soon enters the town. Already, the
gallows has been erected, and guards mill around, in various states of
inebriation. "Hey, who goes there?" one guard drunkenly demands,
waving a semiautomatic towards a shadow.

"Just someone eager for the show." Patrick replies, voice matching the
guard's accent almost perfectly. "Come, tell me what will be happening
tomorrow." The young Kai leads the guard off, promise of gold and
liquor working as well as any psychic force Patrick could bring to
bear.

>   The next day.

<there's the wind-up>

>   "Proceed," Mobius sighs. Though all that can be seen under the
>hood are white eyeslits, the rolling eye look is obvious.
>   Then a Silver Scarab leaps out, fires, then ducks away.
>   "Ah, Scarab! How nice of you to--what?!" Mobius shouts, as a
>second Scarab fires. Then a third. Then all heck breaks loose.

[I see we are not alone here.] Casting off the guard's cloak, Patrick
quick-draws his staff, aims, and blasts the gallows with a bolt of
blue energy. "Ma'at has judged you, evil ones, and the fist of Anhur
shall see that justice is fulfilled! So swears the Moon-hunter!"

>   "Guards!" Wu Ming barks.
>   "Sebek _take_ the guards," Mobius cackles, snapping his fingers.
>Enormous mechanical men explode out of a nearby warehouse, sending
>splinters everywhere as they march slowly toward the fray...

"Are your mechanisms sandproof?" the Kai asks, using Elementalism to
kick clouds of sand into the joints and openings of the mechanical
soldiers.
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (Long Sorry)

On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 16:48:09 -0700
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011923

At 01:10 PM 4/6/2004 -0700, you wrote:
>>   There is a distant, mournful howl that would be familiar to any
>>"Airwolf" fan (no one in *this* crowd, alas),

OOC: <Tweety Bird> He don't know me vewwy well, do he? </Tweety Bird>

>The Good Doctor begins his controlled descent, tight beaming to Roger
>Thunder /"I hearby dub thee Roger Ramjet."/

OOC2: Umm...I hope his power source lasts longer than 60 seconds, and
I don't care *how* many atom bombs he's got going on in there ;-)
Anyway...

"Mobius!" Patrick yells. "It's over!" Staff out, he leaps at the
ruler, only to find his path blocked by Naitiri and Wu Meng. "I see."
Patrick replies, Mindforce lashing out at both opponents.

Naitiri allows a small, self-satisfied smirk. "We both have an
understanding of the...what did he call it?...ah, yes, the so-called
'Science of the Mind'. No mere psychic attack will bring us low."

"Then forgive me for thinking it would be easy. I am Kai Grand
Defender Quiet Moon, he who left his home to pursue and defeat all
evil." Patrick's power staff is swung around a few times. "And your
evil shall be defeated."
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time

On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 22:50:34 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011924

>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 00:57:54 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011916
>
>>On Mon, 29 Mar 2004 19:04:34 -0800 (PST)
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011894
>>
>>>On Mon, 29 Mar 2004 03:59:12 -0500
>>>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011886
>>>
>>>{Then it is well for him that he chooses not to cash in on it,
>>>since I think the price would be higher than he is willing to pay.
>>>We have to make a slight detour to Casablanca, and then we will get
>>>underway}
>
>   [Casablanca? Are we visiting Rick's Cafe Americain?] Eric thinks
>dryly (yes, even to himself 8^). "I didn't ask for his help, so
>technically I owe him nothing. Honor is another matter."

"Point still stands," Karma remarks casually while checking over her
rifle, "Only more so. Ah well, where we're going, honor's probably a
good weapon in its own right. Ever play Leather Goddesses of Phobos?"

Karma was thinking of the scene in the old text-based RPG where 'you'
are fighting a robot ninja assassin. The robot loses his sword, which
you can grab. Taking the sword or attacking while the robot is
swordless results in 'your' death with the robot commenting that you
have no honor. However, returning the sword to the robot causes the
robot to realize you are the honorable hero of the story and thinking
there is no way to defeat the honorable hero, the robot kills itself
instead.

>>   "Oracle, Aurora? Since you're so eager to give me advice, mind
>>telling me if these are a product of my Dream-shadowshifting,
>>something from an ally presumably to help, or a trick tossed in by
>>our good ol' buddy Omen?"
>
>   @"I think there's a 'clothing effect' in play. Or something like
>that."@ Dry as ever, Eric compares the hat that appeared for him to
>the one provided by the Romanov Etherite. The similarity is
>uncanny...

"At least they're not rose-colored," Karma said.

>   The next day.
>   A martial drum beat rattles out an ominous beat. The sense of
>finality is palpable. Jack Murphy, once known as the Silver Scarab,
>walks slowly but defiantly toward his doom, even his executioner awed
>as he needs no prodding. For a moment, however, he stops and looks up
>at the magnificent dais, adorned in the grandest style the Lower
>Kingdom had to offer, that has been prepared for the event.

[Gutsy guy,] Karma thought, watching events from the sight on her
rifle, shielded from view by a large art deco structure, some sort of
'does nothing but look nice' bit of architecture, on the side of the
building she was using as a sniper position. She'd added the amulet
Fuzzy had given her as a belt buckle, a life support gem and flight
gem positioned around the central black stone guarding the kryptonite
power core.

>   "Sebek _take_ the guards," Mobius cackles, snapping his fingers.
>Enormous mechanical men explode out of a nearby warehouse, sending
>splinters everywhere as they march slowly toward the fray...

[Damn!] Karma thinks to herself, then through her faux lens-link
connection to the main CAoL psiweb. She could see the Doc and Thunder
already on the move to intercept the giant robots, Violet was already
moving to free the Scarab who was intended to be hung. And not to be
outdone, Patrick was challenging Mobius and entourage directly.

The shocktroop's lieutenant had been barking orders to his men when
something pinged off his metal helmet, precursored by a high-pitched
zing. He broke off mid-order and looked around.

One, two, three, then finally he picked up the sound of the shot being
fired.

"Sniper!" he shouted, pointing toward the sound of the shot, "I want
men dispatched immediately to take down that gunman." As his
subordinate issued the orders, his radio went off. The report was from
a seargant across the square, who'd no sooner said his name than the
sound of a second shot came to the lieutenant's ear, from a new
direction, a new building. He sent more guards to check out that
building.

Then a third shot sounded from the building behind him as a second
bullet struck his helmet.

"I need a flying unit, now!"

Karma grinned to herself as she touched down on a fourth rooftop.
She'd been using the buildings as cover, darting behind them out of
sight, then using the flight gem to travel to her next selected
position where she'd fire another round at some authority figure's
helmet such that any riccochet bounced away harmlessly to strike a
surface and embed itself nearby. She'd been cleaning the rifle on the
zeppelin the night before when she'd recalled a previous life as a
trick shot on stage. Her act had included bouncing shots off metal
plates to hit targets, the most famous was the one she was lining up
now, bouncing between three plates to strike a cowboy hat before
burying itself in a thick wooden bullseye. This time, she planned to
bounce it off the helmets of a small cluster of guards before striking
a small bust of one of the overgovernors.

But as Karma was adjusting the Stetson on her head to shade her eyes
from the sun, she caught a glimpse of a shocktrooper standing on a
small chariot-like platform flying out of the sun towards her. As an
energy blast exploded beside her, Karma realized the game was over.

Roofing tiles discintegrated at her feet as she backed up, aiming the
rifle with care. She fired, a bullet striking one of the ports under
the flying contraption and momentarily causing it to veer sharply off
course. While the pilot fought a moment or two to gain control, Karma
slung her rifle back on her back and unholstered the Isher pistols at
her hips. She watched the guard swing around for another attack run.

Energy bolts erupting in pyrotechnic brilliance against the Weapon
Shop's sheilding, Karma let the airchariot sweep low along the rooftop
before firing again. She struck the guard in the chest with a full
stun and; as she sidestepped the incoming vehicle, reholstering her
weapons before breaking into a run after the chariot; she saw the
guard stagger, shaking his head drunkenly and fall limply to the roof,
only a foot or two below the floor of his craft, where he rolled to a
halt; bruised and cut perhaps, but still alive.

Catching up with the aircraft, Karma leapt just as it and she sailed
over the far edge of the roof. Her hands caught hold of the back rail
as she felt gravity take hold of her. Pulling herself aboard, she
grabbed hold of the control stick and turned back around toward the
square.

/People keep giving me their airships today. Anyone need a craft to
beat a hasty getaway?/
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (Long Sorry)

On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 22:45:16 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011925

>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011921
>
>/Attention all passengers of AEtherian Flight 9. We have arrived at
>our destination. Please note that we are now in another reality
>seperate from our own, so secure all equipment and valuables. Please
>exit the compartment at the designated signs posted at the front and
>rear. Thank you, and good luck./

   As Rob starts to exit the BORIS, he blinks, pauses, and steps back.
He reaches out with his left hand, then pulls it back. Then he reaches
out again, and waves his hand around, like somebody testing the
temperature of the air. "That's weird. I can feel the reality shift."
   Then he walks out, and something else changes. His vest becomes an
embroidered silk jacket, and his blue jeans become finely tailored
silk as well. "Perhaps this is what it feels like to become a
butterfly," Rob notes. [?! I sound like a fortune cookie! And my
clothing...oh, no.]
   "As wax takes the shape of its mould, so I have taken the form that
is expected of me in this cosm," Rob realizes. Then, with an act of
will, he forces his voice back to its normal self for a moment;
"AARGH! I'm a Hedorah-strangled Inscrutable Chinese Sidekick!"
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time

On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 23:11:02 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011926

>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011916
>
>   "Sebek _take_ the guards," Mobius cackles, snapping his fingers.
>Enormous mechanical men explode out of a nearby warehouse, sending
>splinters everywhere as they march slowly toward the fray...

   A flicker of motion blurs past the guards, and several fall,
suddenly dizzy, ill, or simply unable to stand. [No use wasting time
with these,] Rob decides. [But Quiet Moon said he would deal with the
overgovernor...ha!]
   Briefly giving thanks that his thoughts were his own, even if what
he said was bound by the stupid 1930s prejudices, Rob slips around the
fighters. As the Kai lord faces off against Wu Meng and Naitiri, Rob
moves past them, and on to the dais. [Keep 'em distracted. I beat the
stelae before, and if I can do it again, I can grab another
advantage.]
   The Power to Cloud Men's Minds (and Women's Minds, Rob notes dryly)
allows him to reach his target. Then he places the backs of his hands
on the chain, and concentrates on forcing space-time to give way in
one place. As he does this, he realizes a few things.
   First, he couldn't break past a universe's true limitations. The
stelae are artificial limitations, though, and they will give way if
he pushes hard enough.
   Second, if he's going to make this work, he's going to have to
become visible.
   Third, he can't beat more than one real limitation at a time.
Cosmetic effects like his speech patterns are easy, but forcing powers
to work requires focus.
   Finally, no matter what happens, he's going to have a headache
afterwards.
   Then he feels the stelae give, and gives up his invisibility.

"It's under my skin,
 but out of my hands,
 I'll tear it apart,
 but I won't understand.
 I will not accept
 the greatness of man.

 Well it's a world gone crazy,
 keeps Woman in Chains...

 So Free Her!"

   The last is smashed from Rob's lips as Doctor Mobius finally hears
the whisper beneath the chaos, but too late. The chains respond to the
call, and Hippolyta is free.
   Rob rolls to his feet, and drops into the basic Psycho Whirlwind
stance. "Woman is not only a pretty flower; she is also the tigress,
protecting her cubs. Can you face a tiger and a tigress, Doctor?"
   [Ghidrah save me from cheesy dialogue. Maybe I should have gone to
Middle Earth.]

(OOC: Must sleep. Will write Doctor M's lines later.)
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (1 of 2)

On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:31:15 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011927

   From the top...

>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 09:15:31 -0400
>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011918
>
>>Roland X wrote on 4/6/2004, 4:11 AM:
>>
>>   "Sebek _take_ the guards," Mobius cackles, snapping his fingers.
>>Enormous mechanical men explode out of a nearby warehouse, sending
>>splinters everywhere as they march slowly toward the fray...
>
>   There is a distant, mournful howl that would be familiar to any
>"Airwolf" fan (no one in *this* crowd, alas),

   OOC note to "I'm an Airwolf fan" folx: I think he meant Mobius'
crowd. 8^)

>Mobius has just enough time to start looking for the source before
>his platform and awning are hammered flat by the shockwave of a
>nearly-indestructible man-sized object travelling at about Mach 3.

   Mobius' broad, menacing smile can be seen under the hood now. "Ah,
Blaze--"

>   This all took perhaps five seconds. Thunder is already charging
>back towards the battle at best speed. Twisting the bezel of his
>aviator's goggles, he zooms in on one giant which has apparently
>decided that an unarmed target is easier pickings -- it is advancing
>on the prisoner Silver Scarab.
>   /Ah got this {} one!/

   Mobius' smile changes from anticipatory to sly. "Hmm."
   Wu Ming looks mostly calm, only a narrowing of the eyes and a
clench of the fist indicating his anger. "Lin Kuei," he hisses.
   "Not yet," Mobius cuts in, to Wu Ming's surprise. "I want to watch
this."
   "...as you command, Pharaoh."

>   When the dust clears, Thunde is hovering above the shallow crater,
>grinning at the startled Scarab. "Howdy. Heard y'all was having a
>little shindig, decided to invite our ownselves. Hope y'all don't
>mind."

   Mobius claps. All else is still for one moment. "Bravo! You must be
the Phoenix-son I've heard so much of. Until your estimable parents
arrive, then..." He points a traditional Pharaoh's crook at him. "...a
good host always entertains his guests!" A ripple lances through the
air, and Captain Thunder feels himself being crushed to the ground!
   "Gravity," Mobius explains conversationally, "is one of the few
energies that your father cannot control. Tell me, is this one area
that you exceed him?"

Then/meanwhile/before...
>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 09:43:55 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011920
>
>>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 09:15:31 -0400
>>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011918
>>
>>   There is a distant, mournful howl that would be familiar to any
>>"Airwolf" fan

>
>   While all this very effective distraction is going on, the shorter
>executioner (this is after all, Egypt) in the black headsman's mask
>steps up behind the prisoner, careful to give him no chance to
>attack.

   Jack struggles pro forma (and in a bit of annoyance at the
unexpected competence), but otherwise does nothing that will get him
killed early.

>   "Don't move your arms." A woman's voice emerges from the grim mask
>precise and very clear with that indescribable force particular to
>mothers everywhere. Silk-gloved fingers, slender enough they could
>only belong to a woman, slide between his flesh and the bonds.

   Then freezes, shocked. "who..." he whispers.
   "Quiet, you," the taller executioner growls menacingly.

>   "Rather ingenious, this compound, but these polymers are subject
>to UV embrittlement. Though I suspect aging under sunlight wasn't a
>consideration in this particular instance." She adds, as warmth
>blossoms at his wrists. It feels like the fierce tropical sun
>prickling - but fiercer.

   "doubtful," Murphy whispers even more carefully. The tall
executioner is now glaring down at him -- conveniently between the
victim and the dais. (No lip reading. 8^)

>   "Regrettable, the sunburn, but -" Her fingers wrap; he can feel
>her hands strain apart with a strength that he cannot believe even
>when feeling it directly.

   "i'll live," he replies with irony.

>   "Wicked, but sadly unoriginal. Here." He feels the comforting
>weight of a well-balanced pistol slide into his hand. "It doesn't run
>out of bullets. You can move now. Want a mask?"

   Jack shakes his head and grins. "secret's history. besides..."
   One of the attacking Scarabs fires a bolt of lightning.
   "...there's only _one_ silver scarab. thought's appreciated,
though."

>   As he turns toward her, she doffs the fearsome blackness of the
>headsman's mask to offer it. She stands revealed, above the black
>robe, in a brilliant purple scarf worn like a veil over her hair and
>wrapping her lower face. Smokey purple quartz squared lenses float -
>unsupported - before her eyes, so dark her eyes are almost hidden.

   @Okay, I want to learn _that_ trick,@ Ultraviolet's sidekick
(Ultra-vio_lent?_ ;^) quips, adding Jack to the Lensing.

>   @"Thank you, Thunder."@ Ultraviolet comments, as she draws two
>more pistols to fill her own hands. "Scarab? If I may conduct you,
>there is a home nearby where another confederate awaits. I believe he
>can offer us concealment, even so close to our foe."

   "just say the word," he replies. "and call me jack."

>>...decided to invite our ownselves. Hope y'all don't mind."

   (And here is where Thunder gravitates towards trouble 8^)

>   "Thundie, we still have villains on the loose. Pleasantries and
>introductions must wait." UV frowns to herself, throwing off the
>black robe, and then taking careful aim at the poles holding the
>covering over the grand dais. Her pistols speak in a smooth,
>rolling roar, as she blasts away at the poles, seeking to plunge the
>canvas down around the villains for a momentary advantage.

   The other robe explodes in a violent hail of gunfire, torn to
shreds around the 'executioner' as a Tommy Gun rips through
shocktroopers from beneath it. In moments, a tall man in a black suit,
topcoat, hat, and sunglasses is revealed. He has also worked an
turban-scarf into the outfit to cover his face completely without
clashing. "You certainly know how to show a man a good time," he quips
dryly.
   Mobius yanks his crook back, letting the bullets ricochet off some
cunning defense. (Which must be _really_ cunning, since he's
bare-chested as well. The Pharaoh is a surprisingly well-built man.)
Natatiri hisses and leaps aside like a cat, whereas Wu Ming...is
simply not where the bullets happen to be.
   There is an excellent chance that Ultraviolet has seen this trick
before...
   "Now?" Wu Ming asks.
   "Now," Mobius replies.
   Wu Ming claps his hands three times rapidly, and a dozen ninja-like
figures leap from the shadows. Their clothes are more plain and
straightforward than those of the stereotypical Japanese ninja, but
are dark, utilitarian, and cover their faces. Three are in absolute
black, while the others are wearing dark green.
   "I thought I heard him say 'Lin Kuei,'" Eric says casually. "I've
got this bunch." The Hunter leaps down, Thompson barking out sudden
death as he races toward the assassins. Most of them evade the first
volley, but two green-clad killers fall in a hail of gunfire.
   Finally, a fog that shouldn't be on a Cairo street, even in an
alley in morning, explodes silently to reveal the Silver Scarab
himself, whose Scarab Sting stuns an approaching platoon of
shocktroopers in short order.
   "And may I ask the nom de guerre of this lovely woman I'm now
indebted to?" the (true) Silver Scarab asks, smiling broadly, as he
lands next to the Just Violet and his erstwhile protege.
   "Nice of you to drop in, Scarab," Jack quips.
   "The Pharaoh was kind enough to invite me. How could I refuse?" the
Scarab fires back with a swashbuckler's smile.
   TBC
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:47:56 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928

And now...
>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 16:02:06 -0400
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011921
>
>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 00:57:54 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011916

<snip cool Jones/O'Connell stuff>
>{"Excellent. I have heard of the legendary Forge of Ptah, and I am
>glad to see that two immanent archeologists/adventurers are on the
>hunt. Do you know how to contact the original Silver Scarab?"}
>{"Yeah, actually.

   OOC: Ah, I'm going to retcon this out. Aside from that McMasters is
from Terra rather than Earth-9, I want him surprised by this, and I
want to avoid having too many characters to deal with at once (getting
him out after expressions of gratitude et. al.). As for the safe
house...
   Doc Eon looked over the city from atop the minaret. Under other
circumstances, Eon would never have treated a place of worship so
casually, but the mosque had been closed down by Mobius' priests, "for
the glory of the true faith of Egypt," proving (as if it needed
proving) that monotheists have no monopoly on sanctimony. Also, the
imam was a Chorister, and a friend.
   {Hey, Doc, ya sees anything up there?}
   His gaze raked the city for a long moment, then, in the distance,
his fantastic senses picked up something unusual (even in these
bizarre circumstances). The Man of Many Tomorrows whipped a pair of
gleaming bronze binoculars to his eyes, which magnified his gaze far
more powerfully than any normal lenses could manage.
   "Ah, Doctor Romanov. It has been too long," the legendary hero
chuckled fondly.
   {Whazzat, Doc?} the comm buzzed.
   {Doc Energy, Joe,} Eon replied. {Based on the engineering of an
approaching blimp, I believe that we are about to receive some
reinforcements.}
   *Welcome timing,* a droll voice echoed in their minds. *What brings
that unusual worthy out of retirement, do you think?*
   *This place, I suspect, Whitley,* Eon commented. *It
is...reminiscent of the time that fit us best, I would say. And
please, use the communicators. You know that Joe has never gotten the
hang of 'Om' Science.*
   [Youse can say _that_ again,] Joe thought as loudly as he could
manage. [You two're givin' me a headache!]
   Throaty, feminine laughter echoed on the communication ear-throat
rigs. {Oh come on, Joseph, it's not that bad.}
   {Easy fer you to say, Penny,} Joe quipped. {You got the brains for
it!}
   Penny snorted as Doc Eon shook his head and grinned. This was,
without a doubt, the most unusual 'Terrific Trio' he had ever formed
-- Whitley Styles, master mesmerist and his protege from the earliest
stage of his career, Joe "Lucky Skunk" Ross, two fisted
jack-of-all-trades and master of electrical theory, and Penelope aka
"Penny Dreadful," the Hollow One who had joined his troupe partly out
of a desire to do good, and partly -- he had to admit it -- out of
hero worship. He felt that misguided, but Penny had become less
starry-eyed over time, and was always reliable.
   {Let's go,} he finally said, halting the friendly bickering between
the three highly disparate personalities in his Trio. [Some things
never change,] he thought affectionately. {The good Doctor's plans are
always brilliant, but usually intricate, so I suspect he'll need local
resources of some sort.}

<snip>
>[I think it's time I showed Ana the new toy I made for her.]
<snip cool char. bit>

   OOC: Ooo! Sil, meet Ana. Ana, Sil. <VBG>
   (Well, once Sil's back from Nippon, anyway. 8^)

>>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 09:15:31 -0400
>>SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00011918
>>
>>*Then* he darts away from it, gets a running start, and gives the
>>giant a taste of a Mach 5 shockwave straight through the torso.
>
>The Good Doctor begins his controlled descent, tight beaming to Roger
>Thunder /"I hearby dub thee Roger Ramjet."/

   @For Sol's sake, don't _encourage_ him,@ Eric quips.

>The Good Doctor watches as 2 of the mechanical men make their way
>towards the Faux Scarabs that are firing at Mobius and company. "Time
>to even the odds, as the odds get even."

<snip BORIS laying smackdown on robo-grunts>
>Suddenly there is a HUMMMMM and a BUZZZZZZ as the Robot Sphinx is
>hurled 1000 feet into the air. The Good Doctor rockets up and body
>checks the sphinx, smashing it into pieces.
>
>[Shields at 70% and holding] thinks Romanov. /"Look out, Roger
>Ramjet. Another sphinx is headed your way!"/

   Pharaoh Mobius laughs maniacally. "Nicely played, Doctor Energy!
Your reputation is well-earned! However, your genius is not the equal
of mine, and I have an entire EMPIRE supporting my genius!" He holds
the Pharaoh's crook aloft, which hums. "You have bested a kitten,
Etherite -- now face a LION!"
   The ruins of the warehouse that hid the mechanical warriors shudder
and collapse further, disappearing into an opening bay. A machine
Sphinx larger than the two others combined rises from the wreckage,
twin anti-aircraft guns swiveling on its back, eyes crackling with
lightning, and a large anti-personnel cannon for a tail twitching
behind it. The claws glow white-hot, and its electronic growl echoes
ominously.
   "I think you will find my master Robo-Sphinx far deadlier than its
lesser counterparts," Mobius drawls, tone changing suddenly. The
tremendous machine stalks forward slowly, each footfall echoing like
BORIS' landing...

Next! 8^)
>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 15:44:19 -0700
>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011922
>
>[I see we are not alone here.] Casting off the guard's cloak, Patrick
>quick-draws his staff, aims, and blasts the gallows with a bolt of
>blue energy. "Ma'at has judged you, evil ones, and the fist of Anhur
>shall see that justice is fulfilled! So swears the Moon-hunter!"

   Mobius chokes on a rant. "_Another_ one? Great Sebek, they're worse
than locusts!"
   "We _were_ warned that this 'Army of Light' would be large," Wu
Ming notes.
   Mobius sighs. "True...and this one has the most style of the lot,
so far." He leers at the Moon-hunter. "But when I have fed your gods
to mighty Sebek and chained the House of Horus to my throne, we shall
see whose fist reigns supreme!"

>>   "Guards!" Wu Ming barks.
>>   "Sebek _take_ the guards," Mobius cackles, snapping his fingers.
>>Enormous mechanical men explode out of a nearby warehouse, sending
>>splinters everywhere as they march slowly toward the fray...
>
>"Are your mechanisms sandproof?" the Kai asks, using Elementalism to
>kick clouds of sand into the joints and openings of the mechanical
>soldiers.

   Mobius looks disgusted. "I am the ruler of a desert empire and the
greatest scientist of a thousand worlds, and you ask me such an inane
question? As well ask an Atlantean if his devices are watertight!" He
turns on his heel, striding towards the Robo-Sphinx. "I'll destroy
Energy myself. Wu Ming, dispose of this lackwit." He looks over his
shoulder after a moment. "And _don't_lose_my_amazon!_"
   Hippolyta glares at him viciously from the half-buried (after all
the abuse the dais has taken 8^) platform where she's chained.

>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 16:48:09 -0700
>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011923
>
>"Mobius!" Patrick yells. "It's over!" Staff out, he leaps at the
>ruler, only to find his path blocked by Naitiri and Wu Meng. "I see."
>Patrick replies, Mindforce lashing out at both opponents.
>
>Naitiri allows a small, self-satisfied smirk. "We both have an
>understanding of the...what did he call it?...ah, yes, the so-called
>'Science of the Mind'. No mere psychic attack will bring us low."
>
>"Then forgive me for thinking it would be easy. I am Kai Grand
>Defender Quiet Moon, he who left his home to pursue and defeat all
>evil." Patrick's power staff is swung around a few times. "And your
>evil shall be defeated."

   Wu Ming looks from the battle between his Lin Kuei and the Hunter
to Quiet Moon.
   "Allow me," Natatiri says to the master warrior, who nods and leaps
toward the Hunter's battle. "Are you a hunter's Moon, then?" she asks,
her tone sultry as she raises her hands above her head. "Yet am I
prey...or predator?" She slinks toward the Grand Defender, and while
she may not have Zia's class, Natatiri is certainly _in_ her class
when it comes to seductive demeanor. Sliding towards him until ordered
to stop (or she's practically touching him, the stunning Overgovernor
comes to a halt with a come-hither gaze that could melt steel. Wearing
little other than bikini-like garb and a few trailing strips of cloth
on the front and back of her belt, most of what she is wearing is
jewelry, most notably a serpent-headed coronet. (OOC: Basically, she
looks a lot like Anck Su Namun from the beginning of the '99
Mummy...only without the body makeup and even more jewelry. <VBG>)
   The crown's head suddenly spits a cloud of green gas.
   "Oh, and in case you're immune to toxins," she adds jauntily,
lowering her hands and fingering an earring, "like the rare paralytic
viper venom and soporific Ultra-Ether in that cloud, Mobius himself
added microscopic pellets to the mixture that short out the nervous
system. But don't worry," she finishes throatily, as her body becomes
translucent, "you'll _enjoy_ being part of my...collection."
   Natatiri reappears a scant few meters from Roger Thunder. "Hello,
tall, blond, and handsome," she says with a satisfied smirk...

>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 23:11:02 -0700 (PDT)
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011926
>
> Well it's a world gone crazy,
> keeps Woman in Chains...
>
> So Free Her!"
>
>   The last is smashed from Rob's lips as Doctor Mobius finally hears
>the whisper beneath the chaos, but too late. The chains respond to
>the call, and Hippolyta is free.

   "At LAST!" She nods a bow to Rob as she rubs her wrists. "I am in
your debt, my friend. Now, if only I had my..." she looks down,
puzzled, as something metallic glints in the light. "...weapons?"
   A moment of clearing rubble later (Amazon strength, gotta love it),
she gives a delighted "oh!" at the sight of her armor, sword, and
spear.
   Nearby, Penny Dreadful smiles in satisfaction...

>   Rob rolls to his feet, and drops into the basic Psycho Whirlwind
>stance. "Woman is not only a pretty flower; she is also the tigress,
>protecting her cubs. Can you face a tiger and a tigress, Doctor?"
>   [Ghidrah save me from cheesy dialogue. Maybe I should have gone to
>Middle Earth.]

   An epically furious Mobius looks back and forth from the
Robo-Sphinx to the martial artist. "You...that...my...AARGH! I AM
BESET BY DO-GOODERS!" He shakes both fists at the sky in impotent
rage. "YOU WILL REGRET THAT!" His boots roar as rockets shoot him over
to the Robo-Sphinx. "But first, your Scientist!"
   Hippolyta glares at Mobius one last time as he flies over to the
Robo-Sphinx, then snaps the last piece of armor in place (wow, that
was fast 8^). "Now, my benefactor, shall we look for shocktroopers
to...educate?" The crack of knuckles as she grips her spear is audible
even in the din of battle.
   Elsewhere, two green-suited Lin Kuei and a black-suit go flying
from around the Hunter, as Wu Ming lands next to him. Eric raises an
eyebrow, which is about all of his body that can be seen. "Isn't that
a bit impractical to fight in?" he asks, looking up and down the
ornate robe.
   Wu Ming smiles thinly. "Indeed." He tears off the robe with a
single dramatic yank, revealing a matching red overcoat and simple
black pants and boots. (OOC: He looks almost exactly like Sin Tzu now:
http://www.coveworld.net/happyfun/sintzu2.jpg [BIG graphic] and
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/bb7b.jpg for
reference. No tai ch'i on his forehead. And if you've played Batman:
Rise of Sin Tzu, he _sounds_ the same as well. The same actor was
Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat movie.) He strikes a martial arts
pose.
   Eric looks at him in concern. "Ah..." @UV, why does this guy look
familiar to me? I know I've never...@
   But Ultraviolet has. Eric hisses through his teeth.
   "The Ubiquitous Dragon. Doc Eon's greatest foe..." The Hunter says
softly.
   The three black-clad Lin Kuei tear off _their_ outfits to reveal
identical red-and-black clad Wu Mings. Or rather, Ubiquitous Dragons.
"Why thank you. Though Divis Mal might disagree. I find Pharaoh
Mobius' paradigm...refreshing," the first Dragon intones. Then the
remaining Lin Kuei rocket toward Ultraviolet as the Dragons strike...
   (OOC: Meanwhile, Karma seems to be doing fine on her own. Keep it
up. 8^)
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (1 of 2)

On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 07:45:58 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011930

>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:31:15 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011927
>>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011918

<UVnip>
>>Mobius has just enough time to start looking for the source before
>>his platform and awning are hammered flat by the shockwave of a
>>nearly-indestructible man-sized object travelling at about Mach 3.

OOC: Oops. Guess UV can't shoot it down later, huh?

<snipping down to give some weight to the situation>
>Then/meanwhile/before...
>>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 09:43:55 -0700 (PDT)
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011920
>>>"David McMillan" Said As CAoL Message # 00011918
>
>   @Okay, I want to learn _that_ trick,@ Ultraviolet's sidekick
>(Ultra-vio_lent?_ ;^) quips, adding Jack to the Lensing.

   @I'm not doing it; it's built into them.@ UV returns, busy with
other tasks.

<UVip>
>   "just say the word," he replies. "and call me jack."

   "Very well, Jack." The woman agrees, actually taking the time to
don a large, floppy brimed hat. The robe falls away to reveal a
purple, long topcoat, unfastened, with the grips of pistols emerging
here, there, everywhere.

>   The other robe explodes in a violent hail of gunfire, torn to
>shreds around the 'executioner' as a Tommy Gun rips through
>shocktroopers from beneath it. In moments, a tall man in a black
>suit, topcoat, hat, and sunglasses is revealed. He has also worked an
>turban-scarf into the outfit to cover his face completely without
>clashing.
>   "You certainly know how to show a man a good time," he quips
>dryly.

   "You keep saying that." UV returns just as dryly. "I'm not sure you
know what the words 'good time' mean."

<snip Eric v. ninjas - predict bad outcome for ninja-kind. The Dragon,
on the other hand, might rate more than holding Eric's hat at a
dogfight>

>   "And may I ask the nom de guerre of this lovely woman I'm now
>indebted to?" the (true) Silver Scarab asks, smiling broadly, as he
>lands next to the Just Violet and his erstwhile protege.
>   "Nice of you to drop in, Scarab," Jack quips.
>   "The Pharaoh was kind enough to invite me. How could I refuse?"
>the Scarab fires back with a swashbuckler's smile.

   "No debt." The Lavender Lady replies. "I'm Ultra-Violet. Though the
old newsrags tagged me with -"

OOC: Tag anyone, villain or hero (who is knowledgable/old enough to
know) the Just Violet's more common nickname.
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 09:37:17 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011931

>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:47:56 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928

<snip down into Doc E's major robot-tussle>

>>[Shields at 70% and holding] thinks Romanov. /"Look out, Roger
>>Ramjet. Another sphinx is headed your way!"/

<snip one Very Annoyed Evil Genius not named Coyote>

>   "I think you will find my master Robo-Sphinx far deadlier than its
>lesser counterparts," Mobius drawls, tone changing suddenly. The
>tremendous machine stalks forward slowly, each footfall echoing like
>BORIS' landing...

Violet sighs, resheathes both pistols. "Jack, Scarab, please excuse my
leaving you these ninja to deal with. I'm going to help Kid Thunder
and company. Meet us at this address @(she lenses Nemo's address noted
earlier to the two heroes)@ as soon as you can get yourselves loose of
this scene. Don't get too caught up in the fight; our opponents are
too well-prepared."

"The Dragon ought to know better than leaving me to henchmen, no
matter how long I've been out of action." UV notes in disgust. Her
form unfocuses into a blur of harshly violet light, which flies into
the gravity force holding Thunder.

Thunder fades to purple as well, then both heroes reappear outside the
erstwhile crater. Then....
(continued below)

>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 15:44:19 -0700
>>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011922
>
>   "We _were_ warned that this 'Army of Light' would be large," Wu
>Ming notes.
>   Mobius sighs. "True...and this one has the most style of the lot,
>so far."

OOC: Oh, my. I'm glad UV is here, not Zia. That might've hurt her
feelings. :-_)

>>"Are your mechanisms sandproof?" the Kai asks, using Elementalism to
>>kick clouds of sand into the joints and openings of the mechanical
>>soldiers.
>
>   Mobius looks disgusted. "I am the ruler of a desert empire and the
>greatest scientist of a thousand worlds, and you ask me such an inane
>question? As well ask an Atlantean if his devices are watertight!" He
>turns on his heel, striding towards the Robo-Sphinx. "I'll destroy
>Energy myself. Wu Ming, dispose of this lackwit."

'Wow, threat to disregarded in one question. I might need to study the
Kai's methods. He might be even better than Zia at that.' Ultraviolet
notes to herself.

>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 16:48:09 -0700
>>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011923
>
>   "Allow me," Natatiri says to the master warrior, who nods and
>leaps toward the Hunter's battle.

'Ut-oh.' Ultraviolet thinks. She knows that entirely self-confident
tone.

>"Are you a hunter's Moon, then?" she asks, her tone sultry as she
>raises her hands above her head. "Yet am I prey...or predator?" She
>slinks toward the Grand Defender, and while she may not have Zia's
>class, Natatiri is certainly _in_ her class when it comes to
>seductive demeanor.

OOC: Humph. As if. And besides, Zia's never even _tried_ to project
any such demeanor. Okay, except on B5's stage once. Even RedZia at
Steppenwolf didn't actually _try_.

<snip poisoning/paralytic gas attack>
>   The crown's head suddenly spits a cloud of green gas.
>   "Oh, and in case you're immune to toxins," she adds jauntily,
>lowering her hands and fingering an earring, "like the rare paralytic
>viper venom and soporific Ultra-Ether in that cloud, Mobius himself
>added microscopic pellets to the mixture that short out the nervous
>system. But don't worry," she finishes throatily, as her body becomes
>translucent, "you'll _enjoy_ being part of my...collection."

A frown becomes a colder smile, as UV's hands clench to fists.

>   Natatiri reappears a scant few meters from Roger Thunder. "Hello,
>tall, blond, and handsome," she says with a satisfied smirk...

"Thanks for using poison and treachery." UV remarks as a purple chain
strikes, wrapping the crown with a whipping noise of metal. "Now I can
serve you likewise."

A savage jerk of the chain attempts to both strip the Villainous
Temptress of her crown and throw her spinning to Egypt's hot, harsh
sand.

>>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 23:11:02 -0700 (PDT)
>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011926
>
>Then the remaining Lin Kuei rocket toward Ultraviolet as the Dragons
>strike...

The Lavender Lady throws them about merrily, lashing one with the
other end of her chain as she throws another clear over the
now-burning gallows. A woman's happy laughter pierces the din of the
fray, if only by how oddly out of place it seems.
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 10:21:04 -0700
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011932

>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:47:56 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928
>
>   "The Ubiquitous Dragon. Doc Eon's greatest foe..." The Hunter says
>softly.
>   The three black-clad Lin Kuei tear off _their_ outfits to reveal
>identical red-and-black clad Wu Mings. Or rather, Ubiquitous Dragons.
>"Why thank you. Though Divis Mal might disagree. I find Pharaoh
>Mobius' paradigm...refreshing," the first Dragon intones. Then the
>remaining Lin Kuei rocket toward Ultraviolet as the Dragons strike...

Meanwhle, a vield woman had been trying to work her way towards the
scafolding before all hell broke lose. She'd taken cover behind a
nearby pillar to size up the situation.

Upon seeing the three to one odds against Eric, she sheds her robes
and is revealed as a young woman in an outfit that'd barely neet the
comics code, if it wasn't for the "utility harness" she wears over it.

She makes an impossible leap across the square at the Dragon to Eric's
left while flinging an object at the one to his right.

The Dragon on the right senses the object and attempts to deflect it.
Unfortunately for him, it's a tangle grenade. He'll be busy untangling
himself from the sticky webbing for a while. (But probably not long
enough)

The Dragon she is attacking whirls to face her and attempts to parry
her attack. She's "merely" expert class at martial arts, so this
should be easy.

Except not only is she moving faster than a human should be able to,
but her blow far stronger than should be possible. He's jarred by the
impact, and realizes that if he'd tried a block it'd have broken his
arm!

(I'll leave it to GM-san to figure out how the battle goes, given that
while I suspect he's got the edge in skill, she's got him beat on
speed, and possibly on strength. She *definitely* has the edge in
endurance)
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 16:49:51 -0400
Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011933

>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:47:56 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928
>
>And now...
>>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 16:02:06 -0400
>>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011921
>>
>>{"Excellent. I have heard of the legendary Forge of Ptah, and I am
>>glad to see that two immanent archeologists/adventurers are on the
>> hunt. Do you know how to contact the original Silver Scarab?"}
>>{"Yeah, actually.
>
>   OOC: Ah, I'm going to retcon this out. Aside from that McMasters
>is from Terra rather than Earth-9, I want him surprised by this, and
>I want to avoid having too many characters to deal with at once
>(getting him out after expressions of gratitude et. al.). As for the
>safe house...

OOC: Well, I am cool with that. I was actually worried how I was going
to get them all together.

<snip of Very Cool Doc Eon exposition>

OOC2: Nice touch with incorporating some of the original members of
the Aeon Society and the new stuff they are doing with Doc Eon and
Penny. Might hafta pick up a copy of Adventure! just to have some
someday.

>>[I think it's time I showed Ana the new toy I made for her.]
><snip cool char. bit>
>
>   OOC: Ooo! Sil, meet Ana. Ana, Sil. <VBG>
>   (Well, once Sil's back from Nippon, anyway. 8^)

OOC3: Thank you, thank you. I'll be here till Thursday, try the veal!
And after Nile Empire is taken care of Nippon is my next
destination...unless Roger has things in hand there.

>>The Good Doctor begins his controlled descent, tight beaming to
>>Roger Thunder /"I hearby dub thee Roger Ramjet."/
>
>   @For Sol's sake, don't _encourage_ him,@ Eric quips.

The Good Doctor grins, /"Well, since Roger is incorrigable enough, he
needs no incorrigement."/

>   "I think you will find my master Robo-Sphinx far deadlier than its
>lesser counterparts," Mobius drawls, tone changing suddenly. The
>tremendous machine stalks forward slowly, each footfall echoing like
>BORIS' landing...

Doc Energy watches with admiration and horror as the Master
Robo-Sphinx moves slowly forward. #"Ana, give me a quick scan of the
Master Sphinx"#
>From a nearby building, on the top floor of an abandoned hotel, Ana
Romanov scanned the Master Sphinx. #"Yes, Uncle. Primary weapons
systems are the twin anti-aircraft guns, the anti-personnel cannon.
BUt the secondary weapons systems are what make it deadly. The claws
are made of vibranium and unobtanium, and energized with a cold fusion
process unknown to me. They will penetrate the kinetic dampening field
and shred the armor. And that's not even including the size of the
thing. However Mobius failed to incorporate one thing. The whole thing
still requires massive amounts of energy to power it. Remove the power
source and the Lion is defanged."#
Doc Energy brought the quad barrel Tesla cannons to bear. #"Duly
noted. Let's see what he can take."# Suddenly the front chest area
opens up, and hundreds of tiny orbs swarm and make their way toward
the Master Sphinx.
>From the eyes of the orbs, minature bolts of lightning fire on the
Sphinx. The armor seems to absorb all of it. Mobius laughs maniacally,
"I had prepared for this, Etherite. A bunch of fleas waiting to be
scratched." he says pointing his crook at the swarm of orbs. The
Sphinx growls, and the twin Ack-Ack guns swivel and fire a barrage of
flak, wiping out most of the orbs, who retreat back to the robot. Doc
Energy muses, [About what I expected] "Even fleas can draw blood,
Mobius" quips Doc Energy/BORIS. The left Tesla quad cannon fires a
bolt of red lightning, zapping the ack-ack guns. "But you forgot that
even with your vaunted resources, you still need ammo to fire your
guns." Mobius watches in horror as the red lightning arcs from the
twin guns to the internal structure of the sphinx where the ammo was
stored. The intense heat of the lightning melts the twin guns and
turns the ammo for them to slag.
Mobius laughs, "No matter, I have other devices to deal with you and
your friends."
The Good Doctor laughed, "We'll see, villian....ARRRGH!" he said as
heavy fire emerged from the tail section of the Sphinx. The sheilds
buckled, but held firmly.
"Shields down to 65% and falling." said the display.
[Time to cut the tail from the Lion.] thought Romanov as he raised the
right arm back and in a throwing motion threw a razor sharp disc at
the tail. The disk bounced off the armored tail, which exposed the
wiring underneath, stopping the withering fire. "Looks like I have the
lion by the tail. Is that the best you can do, Mobius?"
Mobius laughed, "A mere temporary setback." he said. As he finished,
he pointed his crook at the BORIS and twisted it. The Sphinx growled
ominously, and it's eyes glowed brighter. Suddenly twin beams of pure
Energy shot out and struck the BORIS, lifting it into the air where it
landed on it's feet. The beams still held the robot still. From inside
the cockpit, the warning buzzers were showing massive energy overload.
"Can't....hold....much....longer."
#"Uncle? What should I do?"# said a worried Ana.
#"Go to Memphis, and wait for me there. Find out what you can about
Mobius and what he's doing here. Above all else, DO NOT try to help
me. I would hate to see you hurt or captured by this villian."#
#"Yes, Uncle."# said Ana as she rocketed off the building. Mobius
watched her go, and motioned to one of his leutenants. "Follow her and
see where she goes." The trooper saluted and motioned to a cadre of
others. "Let's go! Your Pharoah commands it."

<snip of Mobius getting peeved and Patrick learning of sandproof
robots>
>   An epically furious Mobius looks back and forth from the
>Robo-Sphinx to the martial artist. "You...that...my...AARGH! I AM
>BESET BY DO-GOODERS!" He shakes both fists at the sky in impotent
>rage. "YOU WILL REGRET THAT!" His boots roar as rockets shoot him
>over to the Robo-Sphinx. "But first, your Scientist!"

As Mobius lands on the Robo-Sphinx, Doc Energy watches the sheilds
fall to 10%. [I must do something.] Thinking quickly, he links the
lens into the shield system. There is a BUZZZZZ as the Energy beams
fizzle out then explode in a display of pyrotechnics and color. The
end result is that the Eye beams are burnt out, but the BORIS fared
little better. The blast knocked the robot down, and into a
shopkeepers square, crushing carts of fruit and antiques. Most of the
people had fled already, which Romanov was grateful for.
Mobius laughed triumphantly, "And Now you feel the LION'S CLAWS!"
Suddenly the giant Sphinx jumped into the air. As it came down, the
claws extended, bearing down on the BORIS in it's prone position.
[Bolshie Moi!] thought the Doctor. [The reserves this thing must have
are enormous. Too bad I will have to smash such a wonderful machine.]
"I don't think so, Mobius. Time for this kitty to be neutered.
LIGHTNING SPIKES!!" he shouted.

Suddenly, both arms of the BORIS shot up, and the fists transformed
into long pointy spikes. They fired simultaneously, stabbing into the
Sphinx. There was a HUM followed by the arc of red-blue lightning as
bolts of the energy fired from the Tesla coils. The arcs struck the
protruding spikes, and zapped the Robo-Sphinx, knocking it out of the
air and onto the ground where it lay on it's side.

<snip of a Kai, a snake crown and Femme Fatale>
OOC5: You know, I think it's time that I even things a little. Mobius
isn't only one the Gods favor, you know?

Meanwhile, in the Egyptian Underworld

The last things Imhotep remembered were the retreating back of his
fomerly beloved Anck Su Namun and his hated enemies the O'Connells
embracing. Realizing that his love for Anck Su Namun was futile at
best, he desired to be part of this world no longer, since he could
not have her in it. He remembered letting go of the ledge that held
him over the Well of Souls.

Suddenly he was rescued from the lake of fire by an unseen hand.
Imhotep was burning still, but he was lifted over the river of fire,
and was quenched in the First River, the waters from which the Nile
emerge. He could not see that his savior was falcon-headed Horus, who
had used his boomerang to save him. The god chuckled, "Though you
should remain in torment for the rest of your days, little priest,
Anubis has use for you still." he said as he magicked Imhoteps' body
down into the boat.

Imhotep awoke to find himself in a great hall. Before him were the
stars on the ceiling. He looked to his left and saw the horrific form
of Anubis standing over him with a look of bored amusement on his
face. "Though I should have left you to torment in the fire, I have
use for you yet. Though ultimately my champion was defeated by the
mortal O'Connell, it was not surprising, for it was fortold that he
would succeed where you failed. The fact that you nearly triumphed by
cunning and force of arms, the fact that you were close even without
the use of your magics puts you in a favorable light. Come, and be
judged."

Imhotep slowly rose from the floor. He was naked, as is normal when
one goes before the Gods. He followed Anubis to a great hall. He knew
this place, for it was the Hall of Truth. Before him was a giant
scale. On one end was a very large golden feather. The other end was
empty, save for a small glowing rock. The scale that held the feather
was nearly touching the floor. Anubis went over to the middle of the
scale. A man with the head of an ibis held a quill in his hand, and he
was writing something in the papyrus on the dias in front of him.
Before him, a large dog sat at the feet of Anubis. He knew the dog to
be Ammit who would eat the heart if his sins outweighed the feather.

Thoth looked up from his writing, and boomed, "Who comes before us to
be judged?"
"It is I, Imhotep, High Priest of Pharoah Seti I"
Thoth reaches under the dias and produces a large black book. "Read
now from the Book of The Dead. Recall your sins so that you may be
judged proper."
Imhotep became very worried, for he knew that he could not lie to the
Gods about the things he had done. "I do not need to read from the
book, for I know what I have done. I have lusted after the Pharoahs
mistress, though to touch her would have brought pain and death. I
killed him along with Anck Su Namun when he learned of our duplicity.
I sought to defile the sacred Necropolis to resurrect her. I have
killed many men in my quest for love and to have her by my side. My
pride kept me going into the halls of The Scorpion King, though I knew
without my magic I could not have a chance."
He recited the number of sins he had, and though the stone grew in
size, the weight of his heart was not enough to raise the feather more
than a few inches. Anubis marked the spot where the scale finally
rested, and Thoth recorded the results.

After he finished, Thoth put down his quill and paper, and looked down
upon the prostrate form of Imhotep. "Know this, son of Man. Your sins
are great, but not great enough for you to be cast into the pits.
However, you may join Re in the eternal kingdom once you have
completed a few tasks for us. There is a pretender to the throne of
Ra. While he seeks to reclaim the ways of Egypt against the Christians
and Muslims of Egypt, he does so in the name of a false god, who
whispers in his ear. This false god, whom we have dubbed Oblivion,
seeks to destroy that which we have created by creating fear, mistrust
and doubt."

Suddenly the Eye of Ra flashed and a beam of pure light and heat
struck Imhotep. He rose suddenly, and twitched as the God cast his eye
upon him.
>From the right, another voice spoke. It was that of Osiris Slain.
"Know this, Imhotep. Your failure will be looked upon unfavorably. You
are to be transported to the ruins outside Memphis where you will
await those who sought your destruction. You are to tell them that you
have been purified in the Forge, and that you seek to remove the
interloper Dr. Mobius. Now go..."

There was a flash of light and suddenly Imhotep was in the dark. He
could feel the simple robes of a priest on his body, but he could not
see them.
>From outside, a great commotion could be heard....

Meanwhile, in the ruins outside Memphis..

Indy was nervous. This wasn't surprising since Buck was providing
cover fire while he tried to translate the inscriptions above the
door. He knew that it said something about Osiris, but he couldn't
make out the rest. He ducked instinctively as Thompson gun fire struck
the stone wall above his head.
"Buck, a little more help here would be nice!" he shouted behind him.
"Sorry, Indy. Apparently the Pharoah is seeking to find the 2nd benben
stone for the Forge. He must take his archeology very seriously." said
Buck from behind the rock he was using for cover.
"Less talking and more shooting, Buck. I almost got it translated."
said Indy. [Damn this door. If only I had some dynamite or
something..."

Elsewhere, on a dune overlooking the ruins..
Evie, using a pair of binoculars Rick had given her, spied Indy trying
to figure out how to get in the door. Alex was manning the ammo pouch
while Jonathan was loading his rifle. "Jonathan, inside that temple is
a treasure worth more than the Diamond you found at Amh Shere. All I
need is enough cover fire to make my way over to where that man is
trying to get in. I have a few sticks of dynamite that should do the
trick. And remember that it's my tail out there, so make me proud."
"Don't worry, Evie. Today is that day." said Jonathan. "Now!" He rose
from his position behind the dune and began firing at the cluster of
shocktroopers making their way towards the temple. He watched from the
corner of his eye as Evie began making her way around the dunes,
moving fast to avoid any fire. "Good luck, Evie. And don't do anything
stupid."

Back at the door...
Indy heard a new set of guns off in the distance. "Buck?"
"Ah'm on it. Looks like we got help. I will lay down some more fire
with the Thompson." Suddenly Buck rose from his position as he whipped
out the Thompson and layed streams of hot death on the troopers.
Several of them fell, while more took cover behind the ruined columns
and dunes. "That should give 'em something to think about. Hurry up,
Indy. I can't hold em off much longer.
"Okay, okay." suddenly he heard footsteps off to his left. He whirrled
around, pistol already in his hand, and he pointed it at a lady's
head. Sheepishly, he holstered the Colt. "Ms. O'Connell I presume." he
looked her up and down. "Not quite the typical librarian are you?" he
said, spying the sticks of TNT she had in her hand. "Well, my husband
taught me a few things. What you are trying to read is a sign,
basically saying that this is the Tomb of Osiris. There is no opening
the door, so we will have to resort to my husbands' method of
archeology." she said, as she placed 2 sticks of dynamite at the top
of the door. Indy got out his trusty Zippo and lit both fuses, then
they both scrambled for Buck's hiding place. "Fire in the Hole!"
shouted Indy.

Suddenly there was a loud KABOOOOM! as dust and plaster scattered over
the entryway. The huge door cracked but didn't fall. "Great," said
Indy and Evie together. Suddenly from the sky there was a bolt of
lightning as several shocktroopers were brought low. Indy, Evie and
company looked up as a female form landed just behind them. She was
dressed as an adventuring lady, complete with pith helmet, khakis and
shorts. "Greetings, fellow adventurers. My name is Ana Romanov. I
beleive you need a locksmith for this problem."

All of the shocktroopers started retreating to more secure locations,
but they had orders. If they could not keep the heroes from entering
the temple, they must prevent them from leaving. Their captains barked
orders, and they fell back, firing a few rounds in the fading hope of
hitting someone. Jonathan watched as the shocktroopers retreated.
"Come on, Alex. Let's go help your mother." "Right-o, Uncle John."
said Alex, grabbing the ammo satchel he was carrying.

Ana studied the door for a moment, "Aha! I think I have found where
the weak spot is. You all might want to step back a bit." She placed
her hand on the cracked door, and closed her eyes. Behind her eyelids,
her robotic brain was analyzing where to hit the door precisely. She
then rared back a fist and smashed the door, turning it to powder and
crumbling rock.
Indy looked from behind the pillar and saw the Russians' handiwork.
"Nice trick." he quipped. "Let's go.
>From inside the tomb, Imhotep heard the sound of smashing rock.
Extending his newly found senses, he felt the presence of Evie, her
brother and her son. He also felt the presence of two others. One with
a determined thought of "fortune, glory and something nice for the
University" and another who's mind was alien to him. He walked over to
the closed door, and activated an unlocking mechanism. Now all they
had to do was pull the lever and open the door.

By flashlight, Evie could read the writings on the walls. "Whomever
opens this tomb shall recieve a gift from Osiris." Evie looked around
and spied a sarcophogus with the symbol of Osiris Re on it. She walked
over to the coffin, and started to open it. Indy raced ahead of her,
and grabbed her hand. "Look, I am all for finding out things, but
don't you think that's a bad idea?"
"No harm ever came from opening a coffin." said Evie, weakly as she
pulled away from Indy.
"Yeah, and no harm ever came from reading a book or opening a chest,
and we all know how that story came out."
Alex rubbed his right wrist reflexively. [No harm in looking around, I
suppose.] he thought as he listened to Indy and Mum argue about
opening the chest. He looked around in the dim light and saw a lever
on a wall closeby. Being the sort he was, he pulled it. The wall near
the lever slid down with a sound like stone grinding on stone. Evie
and Indy looked over at Alex, who quickly backed away from the lever.
"I didn't do anything!" he said, sounding like a kid caught with his
hand in the cookie jar.
Evie pointed to Indy, "Dr. Jones, please check that out." She then
turned her fury on Alex. "You, young man. Go outside, and keep Buck
company while we sort this out."
"But, Mum..." protested Alex.
"No buts, young man. Now scat." she said exasperatedly.
Suddenly a voice came out of the gloom. It was spoken in Egyptian,
"Greetings my friends. I am sure you are surprised to see me as much
as I am surprised to be here."
The hair on Evie's head stood on end as she recognized the voice.
"Imhotep!" she turned, assuming a defensive position in case he
decided to strike.
Indy watched Evie out of the corner of his eye, and drew out his whip.
"Friend, I don't know who you are, but I think an explanation is in
order before things get ugly."

"I don't assume to know the whims of the Gods, but it seems that my
death was not the end. Only the beginning. Here is what I know...."

Later, after he explained what happened, Jonathan scratched his head.
"So basically, the other Egyptian gods want you to help us deal with
Mobius and his bunch?"
Imhotep assumed a pious look, and smiled. "So it would seem, my gold
digging friend. While I would be happier with my former love by my
side, I know that it can never be."
Ana said suddenly, "Does she look like this?" She described Naitiri to
Imhotep. Imhoteps' features became a stone mask. "Yes, that would be
her, though I am not surprised that her shadow has fallen on other
realms as well. I think I would be very interested to meet her..."
Ana smiled, "Well, I think I can arrange that...."
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 16:40:27 -0700
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011934

>Next! 8^)
>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 15:44:19 -0700
>>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011922
>>
>>[I see we are not alone here.] Casting off the guard's cloak,
>>Patrick quick-draws his staff, aims, and blasts the gallows with a
>>bolt of blue energy. "Ma'at has judged you, evil ones, and the fist
>>of Anhur shall see that justice is fulfilled! So swears the
>>Moon-hunter!"
>
>   Mobius chokes on a rant. "_Another_ one? Great Sebek, they're
>worse than locusts!"

OOC: Well, Concentration is the key...

>   Mobius looks disgusted. "I am the ruler of a desert empire and the
>greatest scientist of a thousand worlds, and you ask me such an inane
>question? As well ask an Atlantean if his devices are watertight!"

"You'd be surprised." Quiet Moon replies. "Darklord Zagarna's first
essays into Vassagonia were unprepared for sand. And don't get me
started on the Bor empire's attempt to oust a group of Cener druids
from Kakush."

>   "Allow me," Natatiri says to the master warrior, who nods and
>leaps toward the Hunter's battle. "Are you a hunter's Moon, then?"
>she asks, her tone sultry as she raises her hands above her head.
>"Yet am I prey...or predator?" She slinks toward the Grand Defender,
>and while she may not have Zia's class, Natatiri is certainly _in_
>her class when it comes to seductive demeanor. Sliding towards him
>until ordered to stop (or she's practically touching him, the
>stunning Overgovernor comes to a halt with a come-hither gaze that
>could melt steel.

"Tell me, are you familiar with the demoness Shamath? SHe would have
found your...techniques...well, somewhat amateurish, from what I've
been told by the Grand Master." he steps back, otherwise unimpressed.
"And as Henry might say...'Uh, hello? MONK here!'"

>Wearing little other than bikini-like garb and a few trailing strips
>of cloth on the front and back of her belt, most of what she is
>wearing is jewelry, most notably a serpent-headed coronet. (OOC:
>Basically, she looks a lot like Anck Su Namun from the beginning of
>the '99 Mummy...only without the body makeup and even more jewelry.
><VBG>)
>   The crown's head suddenly spits a cloud of green gas.

Patrick steps back, arm over his mouth. "Naar's teeth!" he gasps.

>   "Oh, and in case you're immune to toxins," she adds jauntily,
>lowering her hands and fingering an earring, "like the rare paralytic
>viper venom and soporific Ultra-Ether in that cloud, Mobius himself
>added microscopic pellets to the mixture that short out the nervous
>system. But don't worry," she finishes throatily, as her body becomes
>translucent, "you'll _enjoy_ being part of my...collection."

Pity for Natatiri , his Kai training lets him handle _that_ too.
Though he does feel rather nauseous as he can sense the neuropoison
battling against his own advanced healing powers.

And even so, the body may be drugged. But the mind commands...

>   Natatiri reappears a scant few meters from Roger Thunder. "Hello,
>tall, blond, and handsome," she says with a satisfied smirk...

"Forgive me, but we are not done yet." Quiet Moon growls. His first
act is to reach out with his own Nexus talent and trigger Natatiri's
tiara, directing the mist downwards towards the femme fatale's face.

OOC: Even if she is inoculated against it, she's gonna flinch a
little.
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (1 of 2)

On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 16:42:21 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011935

>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 07:45:58 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011930
>
>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:31:15 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011927
>>
>>   The other robe explodes in a violent hail of gunfire, torn to
>>shreds around the 'executioner' as a Tommy Gun rips through
>>shocktroopers from beneath it. In moments, a tall man in a black
>>suit, topcoat, hat, and sunglasses is revealed. He has also worked
>>an turban-scarf into the outfit to cover his face completely without
>>clashing.
>>   "You certainly know how to show a man a good time," he quips
>>dryly.
>
>   "You keep saying that." UV returns just as dryly. "I'm not sure
>you know what the words 'good time' mean."

   "Well, I _had_ forgotten," Eric replies agreeably. "I do appreciate
the reminder." @Never would have imagined that I'd actually _enjoy_ a
battle,@ he adds privately.

>>   "And may I ask the nom de guerre of this lovely woman I'm now
>>indebted to?" the (true) Silver Scarab asks, smiling broadly, as he
>>lands next to the Just Violet and his erstwhile protege.

<snip Scarab banter>

>   "No debt." The Lavender Lady replies. "I'm Ultra-Violet.

   "A pleasure," the Scarab replies jauntily. "And I figured you'd say
that, but the Silver Scarab never forgets a favor..." he glances
briefly over at Mobius. "...or a villain."

>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 09:37:17 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011931
>
>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:47:56 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928
>>
>>   "I think you will find my master Robo-Sphinx far deadlier than
>>its lesser counterparts," Mobius drawls, tone changing suddenly. The
>>tremendous machine stalks forward slowly, each footfall echoing
>>like BORIS' landing...
>
>Violet sighs, resheathes both pistols. "Jack, Scarab, please excuse
>my leaving you these ninja to deal with. I'm going to help Kid
>Thunder and company. Meet us at this address @(she lenses Nemo's
>address noted earlier to the two heroes)@ as soon as you can get
>yourselves loose of this scene. Don't get too caught up in the fight;
>our opponents are too well-prepared."

   "Yeah, no kidding," Jack replies, guns blazing.
   The Scarab, while still taking down shocktroopers (and the
occasional mech-walker), is focused on the Robo-Sphinx. Then his eyes
widen. "Those eyes -- they're based on my Scarab's STING!" he suddenly
roars.
   Indeed, there are Scarab-designs on both eyes. Mobius cackles
delightedly. "You noticed! I'm flattered! After all, _you_ were
expected, my dear Scarab -- and if I share anything with most of you
costumed fools, it's a love of poetic irony! AH-HAHAHAHAHA!"
   "But..." the Scarab adds finally, as forks of lightning spill out
from the monstrosity's eyes, stunning screaming, fleeing bystanders,
"...yes! Those bolts are not lethal to humans!" The costumed hero's
eyes narrow as he stuns a charging shocktrooper with a left hook from
his free hand. "So why would Mobius bother?"

>"The Dragon ought to know better than leaving me to henchmen, no
>matter how long I've been out of action." UV notes in disgust.

   "No offense intended," 'Wu Ming' replies. (Good hearing on that
guy. 8^) "I shed myself of my gender biases decades ago. I merely
intended to deal with your young ally beforehand. How was I to know
that, underneath this absurd exterior," he waves at Eric, "you would
have harnessed the Hunter's might?"
   Eric's expression turns grim under his scarf. "And what makes you
think that I'm this 'Hunter' of yours?"
   The Dragon chuckles. "You may not be well known in the West, but my
Heaven Thunder Triad is very familiar with you. Your fighting style,
even in this flamboyant garb, is _unmistakable_ -- fast, strong,
efficient, hard, deadly. You are as the striking tiger, mighty and
implacable."
   The Hunter snorts. "Thanks," he replies wryly.
   "Yet the lung is like the sea -- yielding," he flickers away from a
strike, the Dragon's form blurring to become two figures, one on
either side of a punch, "sinuous," he dodges by bending at the knees
to become almost horizontal (see Parker, Peter) to avoid a spin kick,
"and more powerful than any beast," he finishes, three of him striking
the Hunter in the chest, sending Eric flying.
   "Oof." The ebon figure lands, brushes himself off, then spins his
kusari-gama in a defensive pattern that covers him from every angle.
   "Impressive," All four -- five -- six, now -- Dragons say, then
slowly move in...

>>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 15:44:19 -0700
>>>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011922
>>
>>   "We _were_ warned that this 'Army of Light' would be large," Wu
>>Ming notes.
>>   Mobius sighs. "True...and this one has the most style of the lot,
>>so far."
>
>OOC: Oh, my. I'm glad UV is here, not Zia. That might''ve hurt her
>feelings. :-_)

   OOC: Aw, don't take it personal-like, Z. Mobius is just being
Egyptocentric. ;^)
   (No, seriously. He liked the Kai's Egyptian motif.)

>>and while she may not have Zia's class, Natatiri is certainly _in_
>>her class when it comes to seductive demeanor.
>
>OOC: Humph. As if. And besides, Zia's never even _tried_ to project
>any such demeanor. Okay, except on B5's stage once. Even RedZia at
>Steppenwolf didn't actually _try_.

   OOC: Well, true, she doesn't have to _work_ at it, and she's
sincere about her intentions at all times -- but she's definitely got
the talent (c.f. B5 stage 8^). It's just that she uses her Powers for
Good instead of Evil. <g>

>>   Natatiri reappears a scant few meters from Roger Thunder. "Hello,
>>tall, blond, and handsome," she says with a satisfied smirk...
>
>"Thanks for using poison and treachery." UV remarks as a purple chain
>strikes, wrapping the crown with a whipping noise of metal. "Now I
>can serve you likewise."

   "WH--?!" Natatiri gasps.

>A savage jerk of the chain attempts to both strip the Villainous
>Temptress of her crown and throw her spinning to Egypt's hot, harsh
>sand.

   And succeeds admirably.
   While not familiar with the superb fighitng styles of the Orient,
however, Natatiri is obviously in excellent shape, doing a flip to
regain her feet in short order. Her eyes flicker from crown to chain
to heroine with lightning speed.
   "Oh, you _will_ regret that," she says evenly.
   And she's wearing a _lot_ of jewelry. Mostly stylish, but if the
sudden flash of light from one ring is any indication, there's also a
lot of 'dual use' toys in there, too. Unless UV is actually _blinded_
by that flare, Natatiri *hmphs* and snaps a leg band into a long
knive, twirling it expertly.

>>Then the remaining Lin Kuei rocket toward Ultraviolet as the Dragons
>>strike...
>
>The Lavender Lady throws them about merrily, lashing one with the
>other end of her chain as she throws another clear over the
>now-burning gallows. A woman's happy laughter pierces the din of the
>fray, if only by how oddly out of place it seems.

   With her other hand, the duplicitous Overgovernor (um, the female
one 8^) pulls off a decorative snake-like arm band, throwing it at the
Just Violet. Unsurprisingly, it grows and stretches, attempting to
encircle and pin her...
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (1 of 2)

On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 19:59:58 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011937

>On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 16:42:21 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011935
>
>>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 07:45:58 -0700 (PDT)
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011930
>>
>>   "You keep saying that." UV returns just as dryly. "I'm not sure
>>you know what the words 'good time' mean."
>
>   "Well, I _had_ forgotten," Eric replies agreeably. "I do
>appreciate the reminder." @Never would have imagined that I'd
>actually _enjoy_ a battle,@ he adds privately.

   @Note to self - have Eric read _Princess Bride_ soonest so he
_gets_ the jokes next time.@ Ultraviolet deliberately lets him hear
her on the link, but she is secretly glad he is enjoying himself for a
change. For an artist - especially a martial one - not to enjoy his
art was a true shame.

>>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 09:37:17 -0700 (PDT)
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011931
>
>   "But..." the Scarab adds finally, as forks of lightning spill out
>from the monstrosity's eyes, stunning screaming, fleeing bystanders,
>"...yes! Those bolts are not lethal to humans!" The costumed hero's
>eyes narrow as he stuns a charging shocktrooper with a left hook from
>his free hand. "So why would Mobius bother?"

"Because he - and his allies - are intent on avoiding killing anyone.
Why is an interesting question. My own limitations can't have effected
their whole strategy - how would they have guessed I would be here?"

>   "No offense intended," 'Wu Ming' replies. (Good hearing on that
>guy. 8^) "I shed myself of my gender biases decades ago. I merely
>intended to deal with your young ally beforehand. How was I to know
>that, underneath this absurd exterior," he waves at Eric, "you would
>have harnessed the Hunter's might?"

   "Harnessed? Goodness. Now even the villains are giving me lovely
ideas." The Just Violet quips in (forgive me) off-color humor.

<snip Eric getting quite a demonstration>
>   "Oof." The ebon figure lands, brushes himself off, then spins his
>kusari-gama in a defensive pattern that covers him from every angle.
>   "Impressive," All four -- five -- six, now -- Dragons say, then
>slowly move in...

   @Hmmm. Eric, try fighting like _me_ instead of you, since he has
your usual style's number. Despite his mastery and my relative lack of
same, he's never been able to predict what I'd do next in a fight.@

   Then UV smiles in relief as she sees the woman she can recognize
mentally as Nemo helping Eric against the mulitplying dread Dragon.

<snip to the Double-Feature Femme Fatales!>
>>OOC: Humph. As if. And besides, Zia's never even _tried_ to project
>>any such demeanor. Okay, except on B5's stage once. Even RedZia at
>>Steppenwolf didn't actually _try_.
>
>   OOC: Well, true, she doesn't have to _work_ at it, and she's
>sincere about her intentions at all times -- but she's definitely got
>the talent (c.f. B5 stage 8^). It's just that she uses her Powers for
>Good instead of Evil. <g>

   OOC: Zia taps her carrot, chews it, grins at the camera. "He don't
_know_ me very well, do he? And I say again. As _IF_. Now if she
seduces _Omen_ then she might be at least somewhat close to my
weight-class. But I ain't holding my..." Zia takes a deep breath,
inspiring thoughts of bricks and outhouses, "breath."

<UV snip - cutting into a Kai-dance momentarily>
>   And succeeds admirably.
>   While not familiar with the superb fighitng styles of the Orient,
>however, Natatiri is obviously in excellent shape, doing a flip to
>regain her feet in short order. Her eyes flicker from crown to chain
>to heroine with lightning speed.
>   "Oh, you _will_ regret that," she says evenly.

   "_UN_ likely." Ultraviolet quips back, "Thunder, heads up." She
flips the chain around, sending the crown tumbling to her ally - she
isn't sure how to break or destroy it safely.

>   And she's wearing a _lot_ of jewelry. Mostly stylish, but if the
>sudden flash of light from one ring is any indication, there's also a
>lot of 'dual use' toys in there, too. Unless UV is actually _blinded_
>by that flare, Natatiri *hmphs* and snaps a leg band into a long
>knive, twirling it expertly.

   "I'd rather you'd say it with flowers." The Just Violet quips,
falling back a few steps. She eyes the Kai now approaching Natatiri
from behind, stalling in hopes of getting his help.

>>The Lavender Lady throws them about merrily, lashing one with the
>>other end of her chain as she throws another clear over the
>>now-burning gallows. A woman's happy laughter pierces the din of the
>>fray, if only by how oddly out of place it seems.
>
>   With her other hand, the duplicitous Overgovernor (um, the female
>one 8^) pulls off a decorative snake-like arm band, throwing it at
>the Just Violet. Unsurprisingly, it grows and stretches, attempting
>to encircle and pin her...

   "What _is_ the deal with binding and capturing?" As the artifact
enwraps her, Ultraviolet collapses as her legs and one arm are caught.
She keeps one forearm and hand free only by dint of wrapping her own
chain under the binding artifact, the two struggling against each
other for which is stronger.

   She would rather not shift her entire body to ultraviolet light
completely as she did to rescue Thunder - too many times too often is
exhausting. Hopefully the monk can distract this villainess long
enough to make an escape...

--
The Just Violet

"Sorry, just a little tied up at the moment. Better quote next time!"
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (1 of 2)

On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 21:01:53 -0700
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011939

At 08:11 PM 4/7/2004 -0700, you wrote:

Out of the corner of his eye, Patrick spots
>>   With her other hand, the duplicitous Overgovernor (um, the female
>>one 8^) pulls off a decorative snake-like arm band, throwing it at
>>the Just Violet. Unsurprisingly, it grows and stretches, attempting
>>to encircle and pin her...

[Maybe she does have something on Shamath, at that.] With a quick
motion, Patrick's staff is split in two, one half shooting towards UV,
crackling with mystical energy (the other half is busy smacking a
random thug upside the head, but that's another post :-) ). The energy
plays over the restraint, disintegrating it and freeing the heroine.

OOC: My, I just seem to be getting on Natatiri's bad side today.
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 23:22:52 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011940

>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928
>
>>On Tue, 6 Apr 2004 23:11:02 -0700 (PDT)
>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011926
>>
>>   Rob rolls to his feet, and drops into the basic Psycho Whirlwind
>>stance. "Woman is not only a pretty flower; she is also the tigress,
>>protecting her cubs. Can you face a tiger and a tigress, Doctor?"
>>   [Ghidrah save me from cheesy dialogue. Maybe I should have gone
>>to Middle Earth.]
>
>   An epically furious Mobius looks back and forth from the
>Robo-Sphinx to the martial artist. "You...that...my...AARGH! I AM
>BESET BY DO-GOODERS!" He shakes both fists at the sky in impotent
>rage. "YOU WILL REGRET THAT!" His boots roar as rockets shoot him
>over to the Robo-Sphinx. "But first, your Scientist!"

"Threats are like water
 that you see on a hot day;
 promise unfulfilled."

   [I think I just went from stereotype to quadraphonic.]

>   Hippolyta glares at Mobius one last time as he flies over to the
>Robo-Sphinx, then snaps the last piece of armor in place (wow, that
>was fast 8^). "Now, my benefactor, shall we look for shocktroopers
>to...educate?" The crack of knuckles as she grips her spear is
>audible even in the din of battle.

   "Minions are like beggars, lowly ones who come to the great," Rob
replies, as he dances around a charging guardsman before slamming a
backfist into his attacker's head. A moment later, the martial artist
and the Amazon are surrounded.
   Rob quickly realizes what makes the Amazons so dangerous; their
fighting style is good, but its effectiveness goes up exponentially
with allies on hand. [Thank goodness one of us is in top form,] he
thinks. [Worst headache short of a migraine.]
   The duo cut down guardsmen and shock troopers like wheat to their
scythe, but these are legions, and they live up to the name.
   /We're going to be busy here; scream if you need help./
===========================

Subject: Re: AAE 9n: Hang Time (2 of 2)

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 13:13:30 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011942

>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 16:49:51 -0400
>Dr. Energy Said As CAoL Message # 00011933
>
>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 23:47:56 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011928

<snip to...>
> From inside the cockpit, the warning buzzers were showing massive
>energy overload. "Can't....hold....much....longer."
>#"Uncle? What should I do?"# said a worried Ana.
>#"Go to Memphis, and wait for me there. Find out what you can about
>Mobius and what he's doing here. Above all else, DO NOT try to help
>me. I would hate to see you hurt or captured by this villian."#
>#"Yes, Uncle."# said Ana as she rocketed off the building. Mobius
>watched her go, and motioned to one of his leutenants. "Follow her
>and see where she goes."
>The trooper saluted and motioned to a cadre of others. "Let's go!
>Your Pharoah commands it."

   Then Mobius turned his attention back to the BORIS, watching with
satisfaction as the Lightning Field did its nefarious work...

>>   An epically furious Mobius looks back and forth from the
>>Robo-Sphinx to the martial artist. "You...that...my...AARGH! I AM
>>BESET BY DO-GOODERS!" He shakes both fists at the sky in impotent
>>rage. "YOU WILL REGRET THAT!" His boots roar as rockets shoot him
>>over to the Robo-Sphinx. "But first, your Scientist!"
>
>As Mobius lands on the Robo-Sphinx, Doc Energy watches the sheilds
>fall to 10%. [I must do something.] Thinking quickly, he links the
>lens into the shield system. There is a BUZZZZZ as the Energy beams
>fizzle out then explode in a display of pyrotechnics and color. The
>end result is that the Eye beams are burnt out, but the BORIS fared
>little better. The blast knocked the robot down, and into a
>shopkeepers square, crushing carts of fruit and antiques. Most of the
>people had fled already, which Romanov was grateful for. Mobius
>laughed triumphantly, "And Now you feel the LION'S CLAWS!" Suddenly
>the giant Sphinx jumped into the air. As it came down, the claws
>extended, bearing down on the BORIS in it's prone position.

   {Wu Ming! My amazon, if you please!}
   {Would you not prefer the violet one, my Pharaoh?} the Dragon
replies smoothly.
   {Giving the advantage to Natatiri? Tsk tsk,} Mobius chided in
surprisingly good humor. {Best not to put all your eggs in one basket.
Now if you'll excuse me...} the Evil Genius slid into a command chair,
taking control of the Robo-Sphinx himself. {I'm about to make a Black
Russian.}

>[Bolshie Moi!] thought the Doctor. [The reserves this thing must have
>are enormous. Too bad I will have to smash such a wonderful machine.]
>"I don't think so, Mobius. Time for this kitty to be neutered.
>LIGHTNING SPIKES!!" he shouted.

   "Eh?" Mobius sounds unimpressed, rearing up one mighty paw with the
twist of a dial.

>Suddenly, both arms of the BORIS shot up, and the fists transformed
>into long pointy spikes. They fired simultaneously, stabbing into the
>Sphinx.

   "NO!"

>There was a HUM followed by the arc of red-blue lightning as bolts of
>the energy fired from the Tesla coils. The arcs struck the protruding
>spikes, and zapped the Robo-Sphinx, knocking it out of the air and
>onto the ground where it lay on it's side.

   Sparks fly within the terrible machine, flying out of the twin
holes. Both robotic titans are pinned, each by the other. With a
final, savage spasm, the Robo-Sphinx's claws lock onto the BORIS, then
the beast lays still.
   Then there is an explosion, and the sphinx head flies off of the
body, wheeling away on multiple rockets (that look suspiciously like
giant sparklers; see any 30s SF cliffhanger for the look 8^). "Savor
your _victory,_ Doctor Energy. You'll find it _fleeting!_" {Mobius to
Thebes!}"
   {Thebes here, mighty Pharaoh.}
   "{Activate...the OMEGATRON!}"
   The gasp from Thebes is audible on the head's speakers.
   {My Pharaoh...are you sure--}
   "{I COMMAND IT! BEGIN ACTIVATION SEQUENCE!}"
   In the distance, a darkness grows...

<uber-snip>
   OOC: Heh. You know, I thought up something like this myself a while
ago. The Egyptian Gods are more aware of the threat than even the
writer, I suspect. Wait until you see what Imhotep is up against...

>Suddenly a voice came out of the gloom. It was spoken in Egyptian,
>"Greetings my friends. I am sure you are surprised to see me as much
>as I am surprised to be here."
>The hair on Evie's head stood on end as she recognized the voice.
>"Imhotep!" she turned, assuming a defensive position in case he
>decided to strike. Indy watched Evie out of the corner of his eye,
>and drew out his whip. "Friend, I don't know who you are, but I think
>an explanation is in order before things get ugly."

   On the other side of the shocktroopers, a series of explosions
followed by gunfire scatter them briefly. A jeep races past them,
carrying a red-haired American, and a man and woman in black. The
woman is driving and firing a pistol, while the American is wielding a
shotgun and the man in black, a Thompson.
   "Ardeth! How much farther?"
   "Soon, my friend!"

>"I don't assume to know the whims of the Gods, but it seems that my
>death was not the end. Only the beginning. Here is what I know...."

   As Imhotep's tale nears its end, Rick, Ardeth and Marion race into
the cave to help their respective friends/loved ones, and...
   "WHOA!"
   "The creature!"
   Marion cocks her head to one side and grins. "Not bad for three
thousand years."
   "Marion!" Indy shoots back, aggrieved, as Rick and Ardeth point
their weapons at Imhotep.
   Imhotep looks at them with something between condescension and
disgust. "You know better than that."
   Rick gives him a mocking glare in response. "For someone whose
_butt_ we kicked twice, you've got a lot of mouth, buddy."
   "Rick, it's all right," Evie replies, running over and gently
guiding the weapons down. "He is on _our_ side this time."
   Rick looks at the Mummy dubiously. "You sure?"

>Later, after he explained what happened, Jonathan scratched his head.
>"So basically, the other Egyptian gods want you to help us deal with
>Mobius and his bunch?"
>Imhotep assumed a pious look, and smiled. "So it would seem, my gold
>digging friend. While I would be happier with my former love by my
>side, I know that it can never be."
>Ana said suddenly, "Does she look like this?" She described Naitiri
>to Imhotep. Imhoteps' features became a stone mask. "Yes, that would
>be her, though I am not surprised that her shadow has fallen on other
>realms as well. I think I would be very interested to meet her..."
>Ana smiled, "Well, I think I can arrange that...."

   OOC note: Cute. 8^) FTR, while Natatiri will _not_ be Imhotep's
Anck Su Namun, she _is_ an interdimensional cognate (the reincarnated
Anck Su Namun of Mobius' universe).

Then...
>On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 16:40:27 -0700
>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011934
>
>>>On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 15:44:19 -0700
>>>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011922

<snip>
>>>"Are your mechanisms sandproof?" the Kai asks, using Elementalism
>>>to kick clouds of sand into the joints and openings of the
>>>mechanical soldiers.
>>
>>   Mobius looks disgusted. "I am the ruler of a desert empire and
>>the greatest scientist of a thousand worlds, and you ask me such an
>>inane question? As well ask an Atlantean if his devices are
>>watertight!"
>
>"You'd be surprised." Quiet Moon replies. "Darklord Zagarna's first
>essays into Vassagonia were unprepared for sand. And don't get me
>started on the Bor empire's attempt to oust a group of Cener druids
>from Kakush."

   "Zagarna was narrow-minded," Mobius replies, his voice suddenly
that of a mundane (if passionate) scholar, "and the druids' efforts to
undermine the Bor attack were..." he stops suddenly, realizing he's
getting into a historical debate with an enemy. "I hate you."

>>   Wu Ming looks from the battle between his Lin Kuei and the Hunter
>>to Quiet Moon.
>>   "Allow me," Natatiri says to the master warrior, who nods and
>>leaps toward the Hunter's battle. "Are you a hunter's Moon, then?"
>>she asks, her tone sultry as she raises her hands above her head.
>>"Yet am I prey...or predator?" She slinks toward the Grand Defender,
>>and while she may not have Zia's class, Natatiri is certainly _in_
>>her class when it comes to seductive demeanor. Sliding towards him
>>until ordered to stop (or she's practically touching him, the
>>stunning Overgovernor comes to a halt with a come-hither gaze that
>>could melt steel.
>
>"Tell me, are you familiar with the demoness Shamath? SHe would have
>found your...techniques...well, somewhat amateurish, from what I've
>been told by the Grand Master." he steps back, otherwise unimpressed.
>"And as Henry might say...'Uh, hello? MONK here!'"

   Natatiri looks the hero up and down appraisingly. "If all you know
of the ways of women comes from a teacher's encounters with a
demoness, 'monk,' you are in no position to critique me." She smiles
with maddening satisfaction. "As for the rest...if you've taken a vow
of celibacy, what a _waste._"

>>   Natatiri reappears a scant few meters from Roger Thunder. "Hello,
>>tall, blond, and handsome," she says with a satisfied smirk...
>
>"Forgive me, but we are not done yet." Quiet Moon growls. His first
>act is to reach out with his own Nexus talent and trigger Natatiri's
>tiara, directing the mist downwards towards the femme fatale's face.

   Alas, the Pharaoh's empire has its wizards and pulp psychics. Thus,
the devices of its highest elite are protected from such machinations.
It makes a choking sound, and Natatiri fiddles with it briefly.
Fortunately, that does distract her a bit... (OOC: See the Just
Violet's actions for the results of _that._ 8^)

Next...
>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 19:59:58 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011937
>
>>On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 16:42:21 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011935
>>
>>>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 07:45:58 -0700 (PDT)
>>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011930
>>>
>>>   "You keep saying that." UV returns just as dryly. "I'm not sure
>>>you know what the words 'good time' mean."
>>
>>   "Well, I _had_ forgotten," Eric replies agreeably. "I do
>>appreciate the reminder." @Never would have imagined that I'd
>>actually _enjoy_ a battle,@ he adds privately.
>
>   @Note to self - have Eric read _Princess Bride_ soonest so he
>_gets_ the jokes next time.@ Ultraviolet deliberately lets him hear
>her on the link, but she is secretly glad he is enjoying himself for
>a change. For an artist - especially a martial one - not to enjoy his
>art was a true shame.

   @Sorry -- I guess the reference was a bit oblique,@ Eric replies
with a shrug as shocktroopers go flying in every direction. @Or the
movie was different enough.@ The Tommy goes into the topcoat, soon
replaced with the twin 45s.

>>>On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 09:37:17 -0700 (PDT)
>>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011931
>>
>>   "But..." the Scarab adds finally, as forks of lightning spill out
>>from the monstrosity's eyes, stunning screaming, fleeing bystanders,
>>"...yes! Those bolts are not lethal to humans!" The costumed hero's
>>eyes narrow as he stuns a charging shocktrooper with a left hook
>>from his free hand. "So why would Mobius bother?"
>
>"Because he - and his allies - are intent on avoiding killing anyone.
>Why is an interesting question. My own limitations can't have
>effected their whole strategy - how would they have guessed I would
>be here?"

   @?@ Eric sends, a touch confused and more than a little worried.
   "A proper Pharaoh," Mobius replies, primarily to the Scarab, "cares
_properly_ for his subjects."
   "Oh, yes, as tyrants go you're top-notch," the Scarab fires back
acidly. "Everyone has food and medicine, and the trains run on time.
Of course, anyone who _disagrees_ with you is 'disposed of,' but --"
   "Bah," Mobius scoffs. "You Westerners of this time are so naive. My
methods are ancient and time-honored, and by history's standards I am
among the greatest and most merciful of kings."
   @/'Of this time?'/@ Eric wonders 'aloud.' @/Scarab's from _his_
world, isn't he? Interesting.../@

>>   "I merely intended to deal with your young ally beforehand. How
>>was I to know that, underneath this absurd exterior," he waves at
>>Eric, "you would have harnessed the Hunter's might?"
>
>   "Harnessed? Goodness. Now even the villains are giving me lovely
>ideas." The Just Violet quips in (forgive me) off-color humor.

   OOC: I'm not sure I will. ;^)
   Wu Ming and the Hunter stop in mid-fight, both looking over at the
Just Violet. The Dragon's expression is one of mild distaste, while
Eric's is unreadable -- but UV can clearly make out an 'aroo?'
thought, as well as mild curiosity.
   "Love. Who can explain it?" Ming sighs, then the battle continues
in earnest.

>>   "Oof." The ebon figure lands, brushes himself off, then spins his
>>kusari-gama in a defensive pattern that covers him from every angle.
>>   "Impressive," All four -- five -- six, now -- Dragons say, then
>>slowly move in...
>
>   @Hmmm. Eric, try fighting like _me_ instead of you, since he has
>your usual style's number. Despite his mastery and my relative lack
>of same, he's never been able to predict what I'd do next in a
>fight.@

   @'Relative lack of same?' Do tell me what you consider 'mastery'
some day,@ Eric sends. After concentrating for a moment, he retracts
the kusari-gama and enters a crane stance.
   "Huh." Two Dragons make flying leaps. Eric parries both, then
switches to cat stance, evades a third, goes into a boxer's posture,
and blocks a fourth. "Ah. I recognize _this_ tactic," the Dragons say
as one, then flare out their fingers as one.
   [Oh, great. The 'venomed talons of the Ubiquitous Dragon.'] Eric
wraps the chain around his left hand, while doing a 'come get it'
gesture with the other, but before the battle can continue--

>On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 10:21:04 -0700
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011932
>
>Meanwhle, a vield woman had been trying to work her way towards the
>scafolding before all hell broke lose. She'd taken cover behind a
>nearby pillar to size up the situation.
>
>Upon seeing the three to one odds against Eric, she sheds her robes
>and is revealed as a young woman in an outfit that'd barely neet the
>comics code, if it wasn't for the "utility harness" she wears over
>it.

   "Eh?" A Dragon looks up.
   "Ah," Eric says, a savage grin appearing under the scarf.

>She makes an impossible leap across the square at the Dragon to
>Eric's left while flinging an object at the one to his right.
>
>The Dragon on the right senses the object and attempts to deflect it.
>Unfortunately for him, it's a tangle grenade. He'll be busy
>untangling himself from the sticky webbing for a while. (But probably
>not long enough)

   That Dragon vanishes entirely, taking some of the tangle with
him/it, leaving some behind to leave a sticky mess.
   "Thanks," the Hunter replies simply, as he dances between Dragons.

>The Dragon she is attacking whirls to face her and attempts to parry
>her attack. She's "merely" expert class at martial arts, so this
>should be easy.
>
>Except not only is she moving faster than a human should be able to,
>but her blow far stronger than should be possible. He's jarred by the
>impact, and realizes that if he'd tried a block it'd have broken his
>arm!

   The Dragon leaps back slightly, very surprised -- but only for a
moment. He smiles confidently, limbering his body, taking more of a
tai ch'i stance, and positively flowing as he circles the newcomer.
"Ah, I _heard_ that Doctor Eon had taken on a female apprentice. Come,
let us see if your Western science-force is a match for the way of the
demon-dragons."
   "Excuse me," the Hunter quips dryly, moving smoothly to protect her
flank, "did I just turn invisible? I'm hurt."
   (OOC: I'm not having Eric ask for introductions at this point,
because I'm going to offer a rtcon where the heroes meet Baraka before
the rescue attempt. Nemo, if you don't want to do that, we can just
pick this up from there.)

<snip -- on the OOC thread, it's time to quit while I'm behind *G*>
(Though thanks for the idea <VEG>)

[back to Zia's post]
>>   "Oh, you _will_ regret that," she says evenly.
>
>   "_UN_ likely." Ultraviolet quips back, "Thunder, heads up." She
>flips the chain around, sending the crown tumbling to her ally - she
>isn't sure how to break or destroy it safely.

   Did I mention the half-dozen 'mechanical monsters' slowly walking
toward the fray? No? Silly me... <EG>

>>   And she's wearing a _lot_ of jewelry. Mostly stylish, but if the
>>sudden flash of light from one ring is any indication, there's also
>>a lot of 'dual use' toys in there, too. Unless UV is actually
>>_blinded_ by that flare, Natatiri *hmphs* and snaps a leg band into
>>a long knive, twirling it expertly.
>
>   "I'd rather you'd say it with flowers." The Just Violet quips,
>falling back a few steps. She eyes the Kai now approaching Natatiri
>from behind, stalling in hopes of getting his help.

   "We're not 'flowers and candy' types of women, though, are we?"
Natatiri quips back, her smile a very different kind of predatory
now...

>>   With her other hand, the duplicitous Overgovernor (um, the female
>>one 8^) pulls off a decorative snake-like arm band, throwing it at
>>the Just Violet. Unsurprisingly, it grows and stretches, attempting
>>to encircle and pin her...
>
>   "What _is_ the deal with binding and capturing?" As the artifact
>enwraps her, Ultraviolet collapses as her legs and one arm are
>caught. She keeps one forearm and hand free only by dint of wrapping
>her own chain under the binding artifact, the two struggling against
>each other for which is stronger.

   "The Pharaoh's idea. Would you _rather_ I just stabbed you?"
Natatiri quips back.
   "As someone who has been there, _I_ would!" Hippolyta shouts.
   "Oh, yes, I _remember_ how much you hated the Pharaoh's hands on
your back," the Overgovernor laughs.
   "When he gives up conquest for a massage parlor, _then_ we'll
talk," the amazon snarls, flushing slightly.
   Meanwhile: @/ZIA!/@ "VIOLET!" Eric roars on multiple channels. He
flings his hands out, slamming them together, creating a very loud
clap or a soft sonic boom. All the nearby Dragons are suddenly
disrupted, flying back or even vanishing. Then Eric leaps,
anime-style, to the Just Violet's side. Natatiri backflips away
quickly, then assesses the Hunter with a keen eye.
   "Oh, the dark avengers are my _favorites,_ you know..." she says
hungrily.
   The black-clad hero backs towards the Just Violet, both guns
pointed at Natatiri. "A pity I'm not fond of scheming backstabbers,"
he replies curtly.
   "You can't fool _me,_ hon," Natatiri says in a sultry tone, slowly
walking toward him with her hands _out,_ extended at the sides. (OOC:
At this point, Zia will realize that Eric has something in common with
one of her _other_ husbands -- while he can [and will] take out female
threats, he'd much rather not fire at a woman if he can help it.) "You
haven't shed a drop of sweat in that get-up so far, but..." and
indeed, a single drop is rolling slowly down his temple, then over the
scarf.
   Slowly, Eric holsters one pistol, keeping the other trained on
Natatiri's forehead while he unlimbers the chain. "You're...very
observant. Move and you can observe a bullet at _very_ close range."

>The Just Violet
>
>"Sorry, just a little tied up at the moment. Better quote next time!"

   OOC: But I thought you were wrapped up in your work already... ;^)

Finally... *whew!*
>On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 21:01:53 -0700
>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011939
>
>[Maybe she does have something on Shamath, at that.] With a quick
>motion, Patrick's staff is split in two, one half shooting towards
>UV, crackling with mystical energy (the other half is busy smacking a
>random thug upside the head, but that's another post :-) ). The
>energy plays over the restraint...

   Again, the device resists the attempt. It seems to have a tiny,
virtually microscopic, power source of...chance? Entropy? Possibility
-- yes, _solid_ possibility -- that helps these devices resist.
   Eric, however, also has a vested interest in the outcome of this
battle, and his own chain whips out, grabbing the coil from the other
end. Then he charges it with his Prime powers, attacking the coil's
very existence.
   Between Eric, UV's chain, and the Kai staff...

>...disintegrating it and freeing the heroine.

   Natatiri sighs. "Mobius is _not_ going to be pleased." She fades
out again, and the Lin Kuei retreat.
   Eric frowns. "Why don't I think that's a good..."
   *CLANG*
   "...thing?" He looks up...ALL the way up...at a mech-walker.
"Great." He fires at the thing's head while unlimbering the chain with
the other, hook lashing out for a finger...

>OOC: My, I just seem to be getting on Natatiri's bad side today.

   OOC: Indeed.
   Natatiri reappears behind the broken dais as the Sphinx head flies
there as well. The darkness in the distance is growing stronger. "Wu
Ming! Keep them busy!"
   Wu Ming nods, and the remaining Lin Kuei divide, two going to one
Dragon each, with a trio heading for Quiet Moon, Rob, and the newcomer
(Baraka) each. Natatiri flings a bracelet at Patrick as well. "To show
my gratitude," she says acidly.
   Behind her, another figure -- at nine feet tall, not the size of
the mechs, but still impressive -- strides forward. It is a statue of
Set, wielding a huge polearm of some sort -- a long curved blade
centered on one end, and a huge weight on the other. He strides toward
Patrick as well.
   The Dragon and Lin Kuei on Patrick observe this, then dart over to
Rob to battle the amazon.
   "It appears I won't be adding you to my collection as well,"
Natatiri says, laughing mockingly as the Set-statue's eyes glow
ominously...
===========================